Thanks for playing and the feedbacks!
I'm well aware that if you're required to explain the stuff used in your game after the fact then it's a failure on the dev's part. Nonetheless, some explanation it is then.
Combat is meant to have a set path. The idea is to observe opponent's attack pattern and adjust your own accordingly. The patterns are over simplified for the sake of time, though I'll admit, it can still be polished.
As for the use of theme, well, I kinda played on it in a way. The flower blooms only once every 500 years. Shanghai's special skills each can be used only once per battle (though I made an error when making the potion skill, so you can spend both MP on that), and Alice said she'll trust Marisa's judgement only this once. Not the most straightforward approach, really.
I know how jarring those art shifts are though...
Again, thank you for trying it out!